By TC News Desk
Agartala, 19th May 2025: The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of the death of a Bangladeshi undertrial prisoner, who passed away while undergoing treatment at the ABV Regional Cancer Centre in Agartala.
The Commission has directed the Inspector General of Prisons, Tripura, to submit a comprehensive report detailing all circumstances leading to the death of the prisoner by June 18.
According to the THRC order, the Commission received a communication on May 17 from the Superintendent of Kendriya Sansodhanagar, Bishalgarh, addressed to the Assistant Registrar (Law), National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), New Delhi, and the Secretary, THRC.
The communication reported that the deceased, Aradhan Sarkar (42), a resident of Habiganj in Sylhet district, Bangladesh, was in custody on charges of illegal entry into India. Initially lodged at Khowai Sub-jail, Sarkar was transferred to Kendriya Sansodhanagar, Bishalgarh, on April 17, following a court order from the Judicial Magistrate in Khowai for better medical care. Subsequently, on April 19, he was admitted to the Male Medicine Ward at AGMC & GBP Hospital, Agartala, for advanced treatment. He was later referred to the ABV Regional Cancer Centre.
However, despite continued medical care, Sarkar passed away at around 6:30 AM on May 17 while undergoing treatment at the cancer centre. Following the incident, the Officer-in-Charge of Champahaur Police Station in Khowai District was instructed to inform Sarkar’s family and request them to collect the body from the hospital after completing due formalities.
“Since this is a custodial death, it is imperative for the Commission to ascertain the exact cause and circumstances leading to it,” the THRC stated in its order. The Commission has asked for the following documents as part of the detailed report Initial health screening report upon entry into custody, Complete medical records, including indoor treatment, Inquest report, Post-mortem report along with videography, Viscera chemical examination report, Final cause of death based on scientific evaluation and Detailed magisterial inquiry report
The matter will be listed for further proceedings on June 18. A copy of the order has also been sent to the National Human Rights Commission, New Delhi.
